Report for Naples, Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Capt. Matt Hoover
April 12, 2000
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
Wind And Fire
Last Wednesday was a complete blowout. Many guides cancelled their trips and slept in. There were a few that went out and the reports that I got were not favorable. The wind blew a steady 20-mph and a fire in the Golden Gates Estates was brewing. The wind tamed down a half a click as the week progressed. It was actually good to be on the water because there was smoke and ashes falling on Marco and Naples from the massive brush fires that were creeping up to residential areas. We were able to get out of the wind and actually catch a few fish throughout the week.
The wind was tough this past week but there were many places where you could get out of it. The trouble with heavy wind is that it can dictate where you can fish. Wind blown points are a good place to fish but there comes a point where the wind can be too strong. That was the case off and on this week.
Despite the difficulties, I did receive some favorable fishing reports. If you had bait, it wasn’t hard to stir up some smaller snook. Some keeper size fish were caught as well. I had Chris Steffen out flyfishing with Chris junior and we hooked several snook on the fly. We saw a few redfish too. Guides from Goodland have been picking up a few legal redfish on each outing as well. We have been fishing hard and fast. You must leave no stone unturned. I have not been spending time at any one spot. If I don’t get prompt action, I go to the next spot. We had weak tides this week so it was important to find moving water.
There were a few tarpon caught this week. Angler Charlie Brown from Kentucky caught and released an eighty-pound tarpon with me on Saturday. Yes, that is his real name! The wind tamed down for a while and we took advantage of it. Captain Duane White had a client land a tarpon that was over one hundred pounds this week too. Some friends of mine played hooky this week and landed two fish that were over one hundred pounds. All of the fish fell for bait. Just because you can’t see tarpon, doesn’t mean they are not there. Heavy wind makes them difficult to see. They will hug the bottom for longer periods of time.
The wind tamed down today and we were able to get some serious fishing done. Folks caught snook and a few reds. The trout were happy to oblige on Cape Romano. We will have one more day of good fishing. There is rain on the way. That sounds good to a lot of fire fighters. Those guys need a break. They worked hard to contain the beast yesterday. They saved homes and commercial property for sure. God blesses them.
April has been sketchy to say the least. We can roll with the punches and still have fun. Keep it safe and I’ll see you on the water.
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